A special Holy Mass themed “Paghinumdom: A Tribute of Gratitude” was held at the New DZR Airport Tarmac in Tacloban City to honor the late Pope Francis.
Monsignor Ramon Agilos, together with the Vicariate of Tacloban, led the mass as a gesture of solidarity and sympathy for the passing of the Pope.
More than 5,000 people attended the service, including regional mayors and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who joined in remembering the pontiff.
This location had been significant ten years earlier when Pope Francis visited Tacloban to express solidarity with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.
In 2015, the crowds, dressed in yellow raincoats, gathered under a gloomy sky at the airport, which had since become a symbol of hope and transformation, known as the “City of Hope.”
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Tacloban, Delilah Delos Santos, Division Supervisor of the Department of Education in Tacloban City, shared how the Pope’s visit inspired and renewed her faith.
She recounted that Pope Francis’ humility, mercy, and compassion lightened her burdens, offering peace during a time of grief.
The brief but powerful visit, where the Pope said, “I am here to be with you – a little bit late, but I’m here,” provided comfort and a sense of warmth to those still mourning lost loved ones.
Even after his passing, the people of Tacloban continue to offer prayers in his memory, just as the Pope did ten years ago in the same place.